Versed.com Features ShikSona Beauty
How Does Wearing Makeup Affect Skin?
Anything that touches our face—should it be a serum, makeup sponge, phone screen, or our hands—affects skin. The average adult face has 20,000 pores, meaning there are 20,000 chances for ingredients, bacteria, or dirt to seep into the skin and either deliver skin-changing results or wreak total havoc. It all comes down to what products you use and knowing how to keep skin healthy and clean (and not touching your face, of course).
Among the many products we apply to our skin daily, makeup is often included. Similar to skincare, choosing the right products can ensure your makeup routine helps—not hurts—your complexion. Learn how cosmetics affect the skin, what ingredients to look for (and avoid), and tips for ensuring your makeup doesn’t exacerbate existing concerns.
How Does Wearing Makeup Affect Skin?
Foundation, concealer, lipstick, eye shadow, blush…all types of makeup have a unique formula that can affect the skin. Makeup that doesn’t mix well with our complexion can result in acne breakouts, premature aging, inflammation, sensitized skin, dehydration, and more. That’s why when you are experiencing skin issues, it’s so important to consider all the products and ingredients you are applying to your skin (as well as the foods you are eating and the amount of sleep you’re getting). Remember: Everyone’s complexion is different. Trendy makeup products that work for one person may not work well for another.
Makeup Ingredients to Look For (Or Avoid)
So how do we know which ingredients will work for our skin? The truth is: We usually don’t. Not without a little bit of experimentation, at least. “There are a variety of cosmetic ingredients that can clog pores and irritate the skin”, says celebrity makeup artist and ShikSona Beauty Creative Director Victoria Stiles. “In most cases, irritation depends on user sensitivity. For example, if you have a latex allergy and latex is an ingredient in a cosmetic you wear, that can cause a problem. If you have a gluten allergy, that can be a problem when choosing the right products to put on your skin as well.” On a similar note, if you’re acne-prone or oily, cream-based formulas may not be ideal for you, while dry skin types might avoid powders.
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